When using LSO to finish a stock, add some Burnt Umber artist's oil color to the oil. It will give it a darker color.

 

When using steel wool, you run a real risk of developing dark spots in the finish. Any remaining steel, when contaminated by rain or other water, will reacte to tannins in the wood and make black spots. This is especially true of high tannin woods like oak. Instead use Scoth pads. These can be found in different grades all the way up to white which is equal to 1000 grit sand paper.

 

A 1/3 mix of turp./LSO/spar varnish is a very durable, easy to apply finish. Apply it the same way as LSO or Minwax. Use semi gloss SV if you don't want the shine.